Electric height adjustable platform for computer keyboard and monitor

ABSTRACT

A portable electric height adjustable platform assembly, and method of use, the assembly residing on a fixed height desktop to move a computer monitor, keyboard, and mouse between a user&#39;s sitting and standing position. The platform assembly comprises: a horizontally positioned platform unit configured for supporting a computer keyboard and mouse; a height adjustable lifting column unit comprising three telescopic sections, affixed vertically to the platform, with the outer section positioned above the platform unit to affix the monitor to, and the middle and inner section extensible below the platform to raise-lower the assembly; a base unit affixed to the bottom end of the lifting column unit, and configured to stabilize the assembly in a vertical position; an electric actuator housed within and able to activate the lifting column unit to vertically extend and collapse the telescopic sections, thus simultaneously raising and lowering the computer monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The field of the disclosure is that of height adjustable officeworkstations. More specifically, the field is to a portable, electricheight adjustable platform that resides on top of a standard office deskand which is able to raise and lower a computer monitor, keyboard, andmouse between a sitting and a standing position while the office deskremains stationary.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The adverse effects of prolonged sitting are well documented. Prolongedsitting can cause: an accumulation of metabolites; accelerated diskdegeneration leading to disk herniation; premature mortality; chronicdiseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer; andobesity (Pope et al., “Spine Ergonomics”, Annual Review of BiomedicalEngineering, Vol. 4: 49-68; and, Pronk et al., “Reducing OccupationalSitting Time and Improving Worker Health: The Take-a-Stand Project,2011”, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vol. 9, Oct. 11,2012).

Height adjustable desks that position a user to stand and work havebecome popular to assist a user in avoiding these adverse healtheffects. But prolonged standing also has its adverse health effects:back and leg muscle fatigue leading to injury; varicose veins; jointcompression and tearing where the synovial fluid is not circulating andthus reducing the normal lubrication and cushioning of synovial joints,such as knees.

A user therefore needs to be able to rapidly shift between sitting andstanding at their desk throughout the course of their workday in orderto avoid these adverse effects while maximizing the benefits ofstanding. Height adjustable desks are specifically designed for thispurpose, but many employers do not permit their office employees tosubstitute a height adjustable desk for a standard, fixed height officedesk that has been selected to fit the décor of the office.

In lieu of a height adjustable desk, employees may add an accessory totheir desktop comprising an assembly that will raise and lower thecomputer monitor, keyboard, and/or mouse. Unfortunately, many of thesedesktop accessories have significant limitations, such as: 1) theyrequire large areas of desktop space, which leaves little room for otheressential and personal user's items to be easily accessible on thedesktop; 2) they are unstable and easily prone to being knocked over,which could permanently damage the computer monitor; 3) they havelimited weight capacities, and are thus not able to safely supportlarge, heavy computer monitors; 4) they have limited ranges of motionbetween a standing and sitting position; and, 5) many require a manualmechanism to adjust the platform's height, which is laborious andinterrupts the user's workflow.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,526,756 that issued to Watson, D. on Jun.18, 1996, discloses a non-standard office desk with a height adjustablecomputer monitor platform and a keyboard platform supported withinapertures extending through the desktop. Because the platforms are builtinto the desk, then they are not portable and cannot be moved to anotherdesk.

And, U.S. Patent Application 20150083027 A1 to Martin, D. A., publishedMar. 26, 2015, discloses a platform with five height adjustable legsthat a user manually lifts onto a desktop and then places their computermonitor and keyboard onto the platform. Every time the user wants toswitch between a sitting and a standing position, or move to anotherwork station, they must physical move the keyboard, computer monitor andthe platform.

Therefore, what is needed within the office furniture industry for aportable, electrically powered height adjustable assembly for use on astandard height fixed desk that is able to automatedly raise and lower acomputer monitor, keyboard and mouse between a sitting and a standingposition. The assembly should also accommodate a mounting of a flatscreen computer monitor. It would be especially beneficial if the heightadjustable assembly were portable such that a user could easily move theentire platform assembly comprising a flat screen computer monitor,keyboard, and mouse, between desks or other work surfaces, such ascounter tops and tables.

SUMMARY

The various embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a portable,electric height adjustable platform assembly, and method of use, tovertically move a computer monitor, keyboard, and mouse between a user'ssitting and standing position. The platform assembly resides upon a flatsurface of fixed height, such as a standard office desk, or counter top,or table top, etc.; and, it is portable so that it may be picked-up andmoved from one flat surface to another, such as from a user's officedesk to a kitchen countertop or dining table.

In an embodiment, the platform assembly primarily comprises: ahorizontal platform unit supporting a keyboard and mouse; a liftingcolumn unit supporting the computer monitor and to raise and lower it inunison with the keyboard and mouse; a base unit attached to the bottomof the assembly to stabilize it; and an electric actuator to expand andretract the lifting column unit.

A flat screen computer monitor is permanently affixed to the liftingcolumn unit above the platform unit such that the computer monitor andplatform unit with the keyboard do not move relative to each other, andwhile the lifting column expands and retracts below the platform unit toraise and lower the computer monitor and the platform unit.

In one or more embodiments, the platform assembly units furthercomprise: a) a horizontally positioned platform unit with sufficientsurface area for a standard sized computer keyboard and mouse; b) aheight adjustable lifting column unit comprising telescopic sections(e.g. three), affixed vertically to the platform unit, with the sectionsextensible through a platform cutout above the platform to affix thecomputer monitor to, and below the platform to raise and lower theassembly height; c) a base unit affixed to the bottom end of the liftingcolumn unit, and configured to stabilize the platform assembly in avertical position; and, d) an electric actuator housed within, orconnected to, the lifting column unit and able to control it tovertically extend and retract its telescopic sections, thussimultaneously raising and lowering the computer monitor, keyboard, andmouse without moving them relative to each other.

In an embodiment, a computer monitor is easily installed on the liftingcolumn top section by the user; therefore, the lifting column iscompatible for use with a wide variety of types of flat screen, or flatpanel, computer monitors or the like (e.g. those with liquid crystaldisplays, interactive-smart televisions, game consoles, etc.). Or theplatform assembly has the computer monitor pre-installed and shipped bythe manufacturer.

In another embodiment, the platform assembly does not require thecomputer monitor to be affixed to the lifting column, such as for usewith a wall mounted computer monitor or smart television, and/or a largedesktop monitor. In this embodiment, the lifting column unit may notextend above the platform unit by comprising fewer telescopic sections(e.g. two sections), and the platform unit may or may not comprise acut-out for the lifting column.

The various embodiments disclosed herein further comprise a method ofuse of the platform assembly to automatedly (e.g. via electric power)move a computer monitor, keyboard, and/or mouse between a sitting and astanding position while not moving them relative to each other, thesteps comprising: a) placing a portable, electric powered heightadjustable computer monitor platform assembly as disclosed herein on asubstantially flat work surface, such as the desktop of a standardoffice desk; b) affixing a flat screen computer monitor perpendicularlyto a front side of the platform assembly's lifting column, and placing acomputer keyboard and mouse on the platform unit; c) raising theplatform assembly to a standing position under the operational controlof an electric actuator; and, d) lowering the platform assembly to asitting position under the operational control of the electric actuator,wherein the electric actuator is connected to the lifting column unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages will emerge more clearly on readingthe following description of various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, given as an illustrative example, and the appended figureswherein “right” and “left” side of the desk are from the perspective ofthe user behind the desk:

FIG. 1 is a right front top perspective view of the computer monitorplatform in a standing position on a desktop;

FIG. 2 is a right front perspective view of the computer monitorplatform in a sitting position on a desktop;

FIG. 3 is a back left perspective view of the computer monitor platformin a sitting position;

FIG. 4 is a back left bottom perspective view of the computer monitorplatform in a sitting position illustrating the underside of theplatform;

FIG. 5 is a back left bottom perspective view of the computer monitorplatform in a standing position illustrating the underside of theplatform;

FIG. 6 is a view of FIG. 1 without the computer monitor, comprising aright front top perspective view of the platform in a standing position;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the lifting column of FIG. 6 without theplatform member;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the top of the platform illustratingthe cutout where the lifting column is affixed and extends above andbelow the platform; and,

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the bottom of the platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the presentgeneral inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the likeelements throughout. The embodiments are described below in order toexplain the present general inventive concept while referring to thefigures.

The matters defined in the description, such as detailed constructionand elements, are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding ofthe present general inventive concept. Thus, it is apparent that theexemplary embodiments may be carried out without those specificallydefined matters. Also, well-known functions or constructions are notdescribed in detail since they would obscure the exemplary embodimentswith unnecessary detail.

As used herein, the term “Computer Monitor” refers to any flat screen ona plane connected to a computing device comprising one or moreprocessing units and memory, such as a computer display or smarttelevision display that is a liquid crystal type or LCD (Liquid CrystalDisplay). The computer monitor may be linked via wires, cables, orwirelessly to a keyboard.

Electric Height Adjustable Platform Assembly

The electric height adjustable platform assembly 100 exemplified inFIGS. 1-8 comprises the primary components of: a platform unit 110; alifting column unit 112; a base unit 130; and an electric actuator (i.e.within the lifting column 112). Various mechanisms of fixation of thecomponents are well known to the artisan, such as the bolts, screws, andthe like (e.g. see exploded view of FIG. 7). Additionally, in FIGS. 1-8the front of the platform assembly 100 and its components is facestowards the user who is operating the computer; and, the back ofassembly 100 faces away from the user.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the platform assembly 100 resides horizontallyatop a flat surface 210 that is fixed in height, such as: a desktop of anon-height adjustable office desk of standard height (e.g. about 28 to30 inches). Platform assembly 100 may also reside upon other flatsurfaces that are used in work spaces, such as a counter top, a tabletop, etc.

The platform assembly 100 is height adjustable between a sitting and astanding position as measured from the flat surface 210 (versus from thefloor of a normal height adjustable desk). The platform unit 110 hassufficient top surface area for a computer keyboard 116 and mouse 118 toreside on top of platform unit 110 and/or other computer peripheraldevices, such as a user-operable power switch 150 for selectivelyoperating the lifting column unit 112, phones and battery charges, etc.The height adjustable lifting column unit 112 is affixed vertically tothe platform unit 110, and it extends above and below the platform unit110 using telescopic sections 112 a,b,c. The base unit 130 is affixed tothe bottom end of the lifting column unit 112 at section 112 c, and itis configured to stabilize the assembly 100 in a vertical position sothat it does not easily tip over when the platform assembly 100 or thedesktop 210 is bumped or shifted or otherwise disturbed. And, anelectric actuator comprises, for example, electric motors housed in thelifting column unit to expand and collapse the telescopic sections ofthe lifting column unit between a standing position and a sittingposition.

Platform Unit

Platform unit 110 may further comprise a variety of shapes (e.g.rectangular, square, semi-circular, oval, etc.), as long as the platformunit 110 possesses a large enough top surface area with room for astandard sized computer keyboard 116, a computer mouse 118, and/or otherperipheral computer devices. But, the top surface area of the platformis substantially smaller than a standard sized desktop's so that it maybe portable and easily picked up and moved to another work station bythe user.

The shape of the unit 110 relative to the lifting column unit 112 mustalso allow a computer monitor 114 to reside a comfortable distance fromthe user to easily see the display on the monitor 114. In theexemplified embodiment of FIG. 6, the platform unit 110 is in a shapethat is substantially semi-circular with the straight front edge 110 afacing the user, and with a curved back edge 110 b on the opposing sideof platform 110 facing towards the front of the desktop and away fromthe user.

And as illustrated in FIGS. 6, 8A, and 8B, the platform unit 110 furthercomprises a cutout 160 for the lifting column unit 112 to pass throughthe platform unit 110. In the exemplified embodiments, the cutout 160 issubstantially rectangular shaped, with two short sides 160 a alignedwith the front and back of the platform unit 110, and two long sides 160b aligned with the sides of the platform 110 (e.g. see FIG. 5). Othershapes of cutouts 160 would be readily apparent to the artisan (e.g.circular, square, etc.). The cutout 160 is located near the middle ofthe back edge of the platform unit 110 b.

Platform 110 may further comprise a user control mechanism, or powerswitch 150, to activate the electric actuator that raises and lowers theplatform unit 110 and the lifting column unit 120. Switch 150 may belocated anywhere on the platform 110 top, side edge, or under surface,other than where a keyboard 116 and the computer mouse 118 normallyreside, such as on the top surface upper right corner for a right handeduser, or on the upper left side of the platform unit 110 for a lefthanded user. In the exemplified embodiment, switch 150 is located a fewinches directly away from the mouse 118 and towards the back edge of theplatform 110 b. Other placements on the platform assembly 100 arereadily configurable by one of ordinary skill in the art, such as on thebase of the lifting column 112 b, or near the user on the frontside-edge 110 a of the platform 110.

Lifting Column Unit

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, the lifting column unit 112 comprises: twoor more interlocked expandable and collapsible telescopic sections thatraise and lower the computer monitor and keyboard platform unit 110 inunison so that the configuration of the two relative to each otherremains the same.

The lifting column unit is divided into telescopic sections thatcollapse or retract, and extend or linearly expand. In the exemplifiedembodiment of FIGS. 1-7, the lifting column comprises three telescopicsections (112 a,b,c) with a front side facing the user and a back sidefacing the front of the desktop 210 away from the user. The liftingcolumn unit interlocking, telescopic sections comprise: a top outersection 112 a, a middle section 112 b, and an inner bottom section 112c. The top outer section 112 a permanently extends above the platform110 in a fixed position with a flat screen computer monitor 114 attachedto the front side of section 112 a facing towards the user.

The middle section 112 b and the inner bottom section 112 c temporarilyreside within and are encased or enclosed by the outer section 112 awhen the lifting column is fully retracted in a sitting position. Thenwhen the platform assembly 100 is in a standing position and thesections are fully extended, then sections 112 b and 112 c reside belowthe platform unit 110. Thus the lifting column sections 112 b and 112 ctemporarily extend above the platform unit 110 with section 112 cenclosed or encased within section 112 b and 112 a when the assembly isin a sitting position; and below the platform 110 when the assembly isin a standing position with section 112 b joined at the end with section112 c but not encasing or otherwise overlapping it. Likewise section 112b is encased within section 112 a above the platform 110 when theassembly 100 is in a sitting position, and section 112 b extendsvertically below platform 110 when the assembly is in a standingposition.

In an embodiment, the lifting column unit further comprises: a bentL-like shape (in cross section) bar member 122 affixed to the front ofthe top telescopic section 112 a; a straight rectangular shaped backplate member 136 opposite the member 122; a top plate member 138; acomputer monitor plate member 140; and a computer monitor frame member142. It is noted, though, that one of skill in the art could modify thelifting column unit to stably support the platform 110 by methods wellknown.

The bent bar member 122 is substantially flat, rectangular, and bentinto an L-like shape when viewed from the side or cross-section, and/orhalf of a U-like shape; and/or it comprises two sections (i.e. top andbottom) oriented at about a ninety degree angle relative to each other.It resides with the top section affixed to the front side of the liftingcolumn top section 112 a and facing the user. The back surface of thecomputer monitor 114 is affixed to the top section of member 122 tostabilize the fixation of the computer monitor 114 to the lifting column112.

The bar member 122 further extends through the cutout 160 of theplatform 110, with the bend or junction in member 122 substantiallyaligned with the cutout 160. The bottom section of the member 122extends towards the user and the front of the platform 110 a, and it isaffixed to the underside of the platform 110 to provide stability to theplatform 110 and to maximize the amount of weight or load that theplatform can support.

A back plate member 136 is affixed opposite to the top end of member122, and on the opposing side (i.e. the back side) of the lifting column112 facing away from the user and towards the front of the desk. Thus,the lifting column top section 112 a is sandwiched between member 136and member 122. Member 136 is a substantially flat rectangular or squareshaped plate that is affixed perpendicularly to the top surface ofplatform 110 and at the cutout's front, short side 160 a. The back platemember 136 works in conjunction with the member 122 to stabilize theentire platform assembly 100, as well as preventing lateral movement ofthe platform unit 110.

A top plate member 138 is affixed to the top section of the liftingcolumn 112 a while covering the top edge of the member 122. Thus itassists in securing the bent L-shape bar member 122 to the liftingcolumn 112. It is substantially square or rectangular shaped, and sizedto tightly fit the cross-sectional area of the lifting column 112combined with the width and thickness of member 122.

A computer monitor plate member 140 is affixed to the front side of thetop section, or end, of member 122. It affixes the back surface, i.e.the backside, of the computer monitor 114 to the lifting column 112 avia member 122. It thus functions to stabilize the computer monitor.

And, as illustrated in FIG. 3, monitor frame member 142 is affixed tothe back of the computer monitor 114. Member 142 comprises an arced orcurved member extending from the monitor fixation plate bottom edge 140a to the opposing bottom ends of the computer monitor 114 a, b.

Base Unit

A base unit 130 is affixed to the bottom end of the lifting column unitat telescopic section 112 c, and it is configured to stabilize theassembly 100 in a vertical position when the platform assembly 100 isresting atop a flat surface 210.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, the base unit comprises: a) an innerrectangular member 132; and, b) a half-circular member 134.

The inner rectangular member 132 is affixed perpendicularly to thebottom end of the lifting column inner section 112 c and extends towardplatform unit front edge 110 a (e.g. towards the user). Base member 132also lies parallel to and directly below the bottom section of the bentbar member 122.

In an embodiment, the half-circular member 134 is a substantially singletube, or tubular member C-like shape, that is affixed at its mid-pointand perpendicularly to the back side of the inner rectangular member132, and to bottom end of the lifting column inner section 112 a. Inother embodiments, the half-circular member may be solid and encasingthe inner rectangular member 132, or in lieu of 132. In otherembodiments, the member 134 is substantially square, rectangular, oval,or circular shaped.

And the curvature, or diameter, of the bar member 134 is sized andpositioned to vertically align with the curved back edge 110 b of theplatform unit 110. Therefore, the base unit is about the same diameteror width as the platform unit 110, or slightly larger, such that isaligns with the platform unit back edge 110 b (e.g. see FIG. 6, “110b”).

Mechanism of Height Adjustment (Electric Actuator)

The lifting column unit's interlocking, telescopic top outer section 112a, a middle section 112 b, and an inner bottom section 112 c movevertically under the operational control of a power switch 150 that isconnected to an electric actuator. In an embodiment, the electricactuator housed within the lifting column unit 112 to push, pull or boththe sections 112 a and/or 112 b and/or 112 c in a vertical direct.Various types of electric motors are envisioned for use within thelifting column 112, such as: an electric motor with a chain and sprocketdesign.

An electric actuator with a threaded spindle design is also applicablefor use in the present disclosure. A low voltage direct current motor,via a gear system, rotates a threaded spindle, onto which a nut isfitted. Since the nut cannot rotate and the piston rod is restrained,then the piston rod will move upward and downward when the threadedspindle rotates, thus expanding and retracting the lifting columnsections 112 a,b,c.

It is noted that other embodiments of the electric actuator areenvisioned within the scope of the present disclosure and within theabilities of one of skill in the art to configure. By way of anon-limiting alternative configuration, an electric actuator may residebeneath the platform unit 110 and be connected to the lifting column 112to expand and retract the sections 112 a,b,c.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to oneor more embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the scopeof the disclosure and/or the appended claims.

Information as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable ofattaining the above-described object of the disclosure and is, thus,representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated bythe present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure fullyencompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilledin the art, and is to be limited, accordingly, by nothing other than theappended claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is notintended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, butrather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to theelements of the above-described embodiments and additional embodimentsthat are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are herebyexpressly incorporated by reference and are intended to be encompassedby the present claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable electric powered height adjustablecomputer monitor platform assembly, comprising: a) a horizontallypositioned platform unit, of substantially semi-circular shape, that isheight adjustable between a sitting and a standing position, wherein theplatform unit is configured for a computer keyboard and mouse to resideon a top surface of the platform unit; b) a height adjustable liftingcolumn unit affixed vertically to the platform unit, extensible aboveand below the platform unit, and able to affix a flat screen computermonitor to the lifting column unit above the platform unit; c) asubstantially C-like shape base unit, affixed to the bottom end of thelifting column unit, and configured to stabilize the platform assemblyin a vertical position; d) an electric actuator to activate the liftingcolumn unit to vertically extend to a standing position and collapse toa sitting position; and, e) wherein the assembly resides temporarily ontop of a fixed-height work station comprising one or more of: a standardheight office desk; a counter top; and/or, a table top.
 2. The platformassembly of claim 1, wherein the lifting column unit comprises threetelescopic sections comprising a top outer section, a middle section,and an inner bottom section, with the top outer section permanentlyextending above the platform and affixed to the computer monitor.
 3. Theplatform assembly of claim 2, wherein the middle and inner sectionreside within the outer section and extend above the platform unit whenthe platform assembly is in a sitting position; and, the middle andinner section are in an extended position below the platform unit whenthe assembly is in a standing position.
 4. The platform assembly ofclaim 2 wherein a flat screen computer monitor back surface is affixedperpendicularly to a front side of the lifting column unit top outersection.
 5. The platform assembly of claim 1, wherein the platform unitfurther comprises a cut-out for the lifting column unit to extendthrough, wherein the cutout is located near the middle of a back edge ofthe platform unit.
 6. The platform assembly of claim 5, wherein thelifting column unit further comprises an L-like shape bar memberextending through the cut-out with: a) a top section affixed in parallelto and between the front side of the lifting column, and perpendicularlyto the computer monitor back surface; b) a bottom section residingperpendicular to a lower end of the top section and flush with thecut-out, and residing beneath and affixed to an underside of theplatform unit; and, c) wherein the bar member is able to support theweight of the platform unit, keyboard, mouse and to stabilize thecomputer monitor.
 7. The platform assembly of claim 3, wherein theelectric actuator resides within the lifting column unit, and a usercontrol mechanism for the actuator resides on top of the platform unit.8. The platform assembly of claim 7, further comprising a user controlmechanism coupled to the electric actuator and affixed on the topsurface of the platform unit, wherein activation of the user controlmechanism generates a vertical force within the lifting column unitsections to raise and lower the platform unit by extending andretracting the sections.
 9. The platform assembly of claim 1, whereinthe base unit further comprises: a) an inner rectangular member affixedperpendicularly to a bottom end of the lifting column unit inner bottomsection and extending towards a platform unit front edge; and, b) asingle tube, half-circular member affixed at a mid-point perpendicularlyto the inner rectangular member and the lifting column inner section;and, c) wherein the half-circular member is positioned to partiallyencircle the inner rectangular member.
 10. The platform assembly ofclaim 9, wherein the half-circular member aligns with or is slightlywider in diameter than the outer edge of the platform unit.
 11. Aportable electric powered height adjustable computer monitor platformassembly, comprising: a) a horizontally positioned thin, flat plate,platform unit height adjustable between a sitting and a standingposition as measured from a desktop surface, wherein the platform unitis configured for a computer keyboard and mouse to reside on a topsurface of the platform unit; b) a height adjustable lifting column unitaffixed vertically to the platform unit, comprising a top outer section,a middle section, and an inner bottom section, wherein the top outersection permanently extends above the platform and is configured to beaffixed with a flat screen computer monitor; c) a base unit affixed tothe bottom end of the lifting column unit, and configured to stabilizethe assembly in a vertical position; d) an electric actuator to activatethe lifting column unit to vertically extend to a standing position andcollapse to a sitting position as measured from a desktop surface; and,e) wherein the platform assembly is able to reside in a stable manner ona desktop of a non-height adjustable office desk of a standard height,and the assembly is substantially smaller in diameter than the desktop.12. The platform assembly of claim 11, wherein the platform unit furthercomprises a cut-out for the lifting column unit to extend verticallythrough, wherein the cutout is located near the middle of a back edge ofthe platform unit.
 13. The platform assembly of claim 12, wherein thelifting column unit further comprises an L-like shape bar memberextending through the cut-out with: a) a top section affixed in parallelto and between the front side of the lifting column, and perpendicularlyto the computer monitor back surface; and, b) a bottom section residingperpendicular to the top section, and residing beneath and affixed to anunderside of the platform unit.
 14. The platform assembly of claim 11,wherein the electric actuator resides within the lifting column, and auser control mechanism resides on the platform unit.
 15. The platformassembly of claim 11, wherein the base unit further comprises: a) aninner rectangular member affixed perpendicularly to the lifting columninner section; b) a half-circular member affixed perpendicularly to theinner rectangular member at a midpoint of the half-circular member andpositioned to encircle a right and left side of the inner rectangularmember; and, c) wherein the half-circular member aligns with an outeredge of the platform unit.
 16. The platform assembly of claim 10,wherein the lifting column middle and inner section reside within theouter section and extend above the platform when the assembly is in asitting position; and, the middle and inner section are in an extendedposition below the platform when the assembly is in a standing position.17. A method of automatedly moving a computer monitor, keyboard, andmouse between a sitting and a standing position, comprising the stepsof: a) providing an electric powered height adjustable computer monitorplatform assembly comprising, i) a thin, horizontally positionedsubstantially semi-circular shape platform unit, wherein the platformunit is configured for a computer keyboard and mouse to reside on a topsurface of the platform unit; ii) a height adjustable lifting columnunit affixed vertically to the platform unit, comprising a top outersection, a middle section, and an inner bottom section, wherein the topouter section permanently extends vertically above the platform and isconfigured to be affixed with a flat screen computer monitor, and themiddle and inner section are in extensible below the platform unit whenthe assembly is in a standing position; iii) a base unit affixed to thebottom end of the lifting column unit, and configured to stabilize theassembly in a vertical position; iv) an electric actuator to activatethe lifting column unit to vertically extend to a standing position andretract to a sitting position as measured from a desktop surface; and,v) wherein the platform assembly is able to reside in a stable manner ona desktop of a non-height adjustable office desk of a standard height,and the assembly is substantially smaller in diameter than the desktop.b) placing the platform assembly upon a desktop of a non-heightadjustable office desk of a standard height; c) affixing a flat screencomputer monitor perpendicularly to a front side of the lifting columnunit, and placing a computer keyboard and mouse on the platform unit; d)raising the platform assembly to a standing position under theoperational control of an electric actuator; and, e) lowering theplatform assembly to a sitting position under the operational control ofthe electric actuator, wherein the electric actuator is housed withinthe lifting column unit.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein theplatform unit further comprises a cut-out for the lifting column unit toextend vertically through, and wherein the cutout is located near themiddle of a back edge of the platform unit.
 19. The method of claim 18,wherein the lifting column unit further comprises an L-like shape barmember extending through the cut-out, comprising: a) a top sectionaffixed in parallel to and between the front side of the lifting columnunit, and perpendicularly to the computer monitor back surface; and, b)a bottom section residing perpendicular to the top section, and residingbeneath and affixed to an underside of the platform unit.
 20. The methodof claim 17, wherein the platform assembly base unit further comprises:a) an inner rectangular member affixed perpendicularly to the liftingcolumn inner section; b) a half-circular member affixed perpendicularlyto the inner rectangular member at a midpoint of the half-circularmember and positioned to encircle a right and left side of the innerrectangular member; and, c) wherein the half-circular member is aboutthe same diameter as the platform unit.